Last night Oshawa Presbytery convened for the first time this Fall. Representatives from the approximately 30 pastoral charges came together at Faith United, home church of our new chairperson, Larry Doyle. Larry took on this role with the understanding that during this year we would spend a significant chunk of time at every meeting considering the future of our congregations and the collective which is presbytery. We are using the General Council theme from Jeremiah of God as the potter who shapes and reworks the clay.
So that's what we did, looking at questions about attendance, age of congregants, who provides leadership. It was a good, although sobering conversation. As I have told you before, we have many congregations in our area that are on survival mode, if not death watch. I always feel fortunate when we get into these conversation because of our vitality in a number of areas. Still, we are experiencing societal trends away from organized religion at St. Paul's, and we too are examining our basic assumptions about how we "do church."
You have been a quiet bunch lately, but I wonder what you think of this initiative by presbytery? We have been in discussion on similar topics within the St. Paul's board. Do the board members feel that this is worthwhile? Is our "clay" being reworked, or has is been shattered? Are you hopeful or pessimistic about the future of the United Church?
7 comments:
I am of two minds about it. How many people are involved who are not ministers or on the Official Board.? How about a question sheet for every person in the congregation? See what they think. What their concerns are. I do think it needs to be talked about. As for the United Church lasting, I think it might be on its way out. Religions and sects come and go(not to many people worship Odin or Thor anymore).
I would be interested in hearing more detail. Which congregations are affecting/reeling the most? What are our strengths/weaknesses relative to others? What was discussed with the Board ... ?
I'm hoping that this year-long process will eventually expand to include consultation on a broad basis in congregations Laurie. The fact that we have started into a discussion is an encouraging first step.
I realized last night that our board was one of the few which had a preliminary discussion based on questions sent to each pastoral charge. Our chairperson, Joan, and board members have been supportive of looking forward before this process began.
While we share the challenges of aging membership and leadership it was evident at the meeting, Ian, that we are healthier than virtually all congregations in terms of diversity in ages, program, and financial health. We certainly won't rest on our laurels.
At St.Paul's , how do you get involved with this process. It would be interesting. Do you have to be on the board or involved with Presbytery?
I would be glad to have you involved Laurie. Each month congregations are given "homework", questions to ponder. We will consider them at our board meetings but others can participate. The next Presbytery meeting in Whitby is open to anyone who wants to attend.
Does church need to be reworked to survive in the 21st century?
Yes.
How?
The idea of God's pottery class is fitting. Our children all at one time or another have made us a new candy dish that only their mother could appreciate.
The danger is not in trying something new and ending up with the candy dish. he danger is in trying nothing new at all.
So maybe you have to start with the candy dish before you get to th skill level to create a beautiful, functional piece. I would say we are starting modestly with a hope for something worth admiring. Thanks.
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